Aluminium alloy 2011 2011

spore: profile
id: aluminium-2011
spore_version: 0.2
family: aluminium-alloys
name: Aluminium alloy 2011
abbreviation: '2011'
role: free-machining alloy for precision parts made on automatic lathes
category: metals
type: aluminium
summary: |
  2011 (also written AlCu6BiPb, and sold as Avional in some catalogues) is a free-machining wrought aluminium alloy of the Al-Cu-Bi-Pb family, UNS A92011, WNR 3.1655. It carries about 5 to 6 % copper, with 0.2 to 0.6 % each of lead and bismuth, and the lead and bismuth make the chips break short. Its T6 temper has a yield strength of 290 MPa and a tensile strength of 395 MPa in one supplier datasheet, and a density of 2.83 g/cm3. Suppliers rate its machinability as very good to excellent and its weldability as poor or lower, and its corrosion resistance as low to moderate. No source read for this profile records a flight, spacecraft or launch use.
best_for: Small, complex, high-precision machined parts made on automatic lathes, such as screws, bolts, gears, fasteners and fittings (suppliers rate machinability very good to excellent)
weakest_at: Weldability (rated poor to extremely poor by the sources) and corrosion resistance (rated low to moderate, and anodising or another surface treatment is advised)
identity:
  formula: 'Al-Cu-Bi-Pb alloy, AA 2011 / AlCu6BiPb family: Cu 5.0 to 6.0, Pb 0.2 to 0.6, Bi 0.2 to 0.6, Fe max 0.7, Si max 0.4, Zn 0 to 0.3 wt%, Al balance'
  cas: ''
  source: referansmetal-2011-t6
  where: Chemical composition table of the Referans Metal 2011 T6 product page (Cu 5.00 to 6.00, Pb 0.20 to 0.60, Fe 0.70 max, Si 0.40 max, Zn 0.00 to 0.30). Bi 0.2 to 0.6 wt% is printed in the Smith Metal 2011 datasheet composition table and in the Total Materia composition table.
  designations:
    - system: UNS
      code: A92011
      source: referansmetal-2011-t6
      where: Material composition standards list, row 2011 T6 Extrusion Round Bar, UNS A92011
    - system: AA
      code: '2011'
      source: totalmateria-2011
      where: Designations table, row 2011, standard AA, United States
    - system: EN
      code: '3.1655'
      source: referansmetal-2011-t6
      where: Material composition standards list, WNR 3.1655
    - system: ISO
      code: AlCu6BiPb
      source: referansmetal-2011-t6
      where: Material composition standards list, ISO AlCu6BiPb
    - system: DIN
      code: AlCuBiPb
      source: totalmateria-2011
      where: Designations table, row AlCuBiPb, standard DIN, Germany
    - system: AFNOR
      code: A-U5PbBi
      source: referansmetal-2011-t6
      where: Material composition standards list, AFNOR A-U5PbBi
    - system: BS
      code: FC1
      source: weerg-2011
      where: Header line, Avional / 9002/5 / AlCuBiPb / 3.1655 / BS FC1 / AFNOR A-U5PbBi
    - system: Trade name
      code: Avional
      source: weerg-2011
      where: Header line of the Weerg 2011 technical datasheet
    - system: AMS
      code: QQ-A-225/3
      note: Cold-drawn round bar, sheet and wire, T6
      source: referansmetal-2011-t6
      where: Material composition standards list, 2011 T6 Cold Drawn Round Bar, AMS QQ-A-225/3
    - system: ASTM
      code: B221
      note: Extruded round bar, sheet, wire and tube
      source: referansmetal-2011-t6
      where: Material composition standards list, 2011 T6 Extrusion rows, ASTM B221
    - system: ASTM
      code: B211
      note: Cold-drawn round bar, sheet, wire
      source: referansmetal-2011-t6
      where: Material composition standards list, 2011 T6 Cold Drawn rows, ASTM B211
    - system: ASTM
      code: B210
      note: Cold-drawn tube
      source: referansmetal-2011-t6
      where: Material composition standards list, 2011 T6 Cold Drawn Tube row, ASTM B210
tags:
  environments: []
  stresses: []
  applications:
    - mechanisms
properties:
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, 2011 T451
    value: 2.82
    unit: g/cm3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T451 (page title 2011 T451)
      form: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t451
    where: Physical Properties section, row Density
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, 2011 T6
    value: 2.83
    unit: g/cm3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T6 (page title 2011 T6)
      form: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t6
    where: Physical Properties section, row Density
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, 2011 (Weerg CNC datasheet)
    value: 2.83
    unit: g/cm3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: not stated
    method: Value printed on a CNC supplier datasheet
    status: ground
    source: weerg-2011
    where: Material properties table, row Density
  - benchmark: melting_point
    label: Melting point, 2011 T451
    value: 540
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T451 (page title)
      form: not stated
    method: Single value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t451
    where: Physical Properties section, row Melting Point
  - benchmark: melting_point
    label: Melting point, 2011
    value: 535
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: not stated
    method: Single value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: smith-2011
    where: Physical Properties table, row Melting Point
  - benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    label: Thermal conductivity, 2011 T451
    value: 140
    unit: W/m.K
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T451 (page title)
      temperature: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t451
    where: Physical Properties section, row Thermal Conductivity
  - benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    label: Thermal conductivity, 2011 T6
    value: 150
    unit: W/m.K
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T6 (page title)
      temperature: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t6
    where: Physical Properties section, row Thermal Conductivity
  - benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    label: Thermal conductivity, 2011
    value: 138
    unit: W/m.K
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: not stated
      temperature: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: smith-2011
    where: Physical Properties table, row Thermal conductivity
  - benchmark: cte
    label: Coefficient of thermal expansion, 2011 T451
    value: 21.4
    unit: µm/m.°C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T451 (page title)
      temperature: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t451
    where: Physical Properties section, row Thermal Expansion
  - benchmark: cte
    label: Coefficient of thermal expansion, 2011 T6
    value: 22.9
    unit: µm/m.°C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T6 (page title)
      temperature: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t6
    where: Physical Properties section, row Thermal Expansion
  - benchmark: elastic_modulus
    label: Modulus of elasticity, 2011 T451
    value: 70
    unit: GPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T451 (page title)
      temperature: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t451
    where: Physical Properties section, row Modulus of Elasticity
  - benchmark: elastic_modulus
    label: Modulus of elasticity, 2011
    value: 71
    unit: GPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: not stated
      temperature: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: smith-2011
    where: Physical Properties table, row Modulus of elasticity
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Yield strength, 2011 T451
    value: 140
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T451 (page title)
      form: not stated
      measure: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page; it conflicts with the T6 and Smith values, see gaps
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t451
    where: Mechanical Properties section, row Yield Strength
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Ultimate tensile strength, 2011 T451
    value: 300
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T451 (page title)
      form: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t451
    where: Mechanical Properties section, row Ultimate Strength
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation, 2011 T451
    value: 16
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T451 (page title)
      gauge_length: A50 mm
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t451
    where: Mechanical Properties section, row Elongation A50 mm
  - benchmark: brinell_hardness
    label: Brinell hardness, 2011 T451
    value: 105
    unit: HB
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T451 (page title)
      form: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t451
    where: Mechanical Properties section, row Hardness
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Yield strength, 2011 T6
    value: 290
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T6 (page title)
      form: not stated
      measure: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t6
    where: Mechanical Properties section, row Yield Strength
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Ultimate tensile strength, 2011 T6
    value: 395
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T6 (page title)
      form: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t6
    where: Mechanical Properties section, row Ultimate Strength
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation, 2011 T6
    value: 17
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T6 (page title)
      gauge_length: A50 mm
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t6
    where: Mechanical Properties section, row Elongation A50 mm
  - benchmark: brinell_hardness
    label: Brinell hardness, 2011 T6
    value: 97
    unit: HB
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T6 (page title)
      form: not stated
    method: Value printed on a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t6
    where: Mechanical Properties section, row Hardness
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Minimum yield strength, 2011 T6, thickness over 3.17 up to 38.1 mm
    value: 260
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T6 (page title)
      thickness: over 3.17 up to and including 38.1 mm (decimal commas in the source)
      basis: minimum delivery value
    method: Minimum value printed in the delivery table of a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t6
    where: DELIVERY table, row Over 3,17 up to & incl. 38,1, column Yield Strength (Min.)
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Minimum tensile strength, 2011 T6, thickness over 3.17 up to 38.1 mm
    value: 310
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T6 (page title)
      thickness: over 3.17 up to and including 38.1 mm (decimal commas in the source)
      basis: minimum delivery value
    method: Minimum value printed in the delivery table of a supplier datasheet page
    status: ground
    source: referansmetal-2011-t6
    where: DELIVERY table, row Over 3,17 up to & incl. 38,1, column Ultimate Strength (Min.)
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, 2011 T3
    value: 365
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T3
      form: not stated
    method: Value printed in the Mechanical Properties table of the Smith Metal datasheet
    status: ground
    source: smith-2011
    where: Mechanical Properties table, row T3, column Tensile Strength (MPa)
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, 2011 T8
    value: 420
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T8
      form: not stated
    method: Value printed in the Mechanical Properties table of the Smith Metal datasheet
    status: ground
    source: smith-2011
    where: Mechanical Properties table, row T8, column Tensile Strength (MPa)
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Proof stress, 2011 T6
    value: 300
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T6
      form: not stated
    method: Proof stress printed in the Mechanical Properties table of the Smith Metal datasheet
    status: ground
    source: smith-2011
    where: Mechanical Properties table, row T6, column Proof Stress (MPa)
  - benchmark: brinell_hardness
    label: Brinell hardness, 2011 T6 (Smith Metal)
    value: 110
    unit: HB
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: T6
      form: not stated
    method: Value printed in the Mechanical Properties table of the Smith Metal datasheet
    status: ground
    source: smith-2011
    where: Mechanical Properties table, row T6, column Hardness Brinell HB
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, 2011 (Weerg CNC datasheet)
    value: 245
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: not stated
      test: ISO 6892
    method: Value printed in the mechanical properties table of a CNC supplier datasheet
    status: ground
    source: weerg-2011
    where: Material properties table, row Tensile strength
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Yield strength, 2011 (Weerg CNC datasheet)
    value: 200
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: not stated
      test: ISO 6892
    method: Value printed in the mechanical properties table of a CNC supplier datasheet
    status: ground
    source: weerg-2011
    where: Material properties table, row Yield strength
gaps:
  - 'Electrical resistivity: the Weerg datasheet prints 0,04 with a decimal comma and the Ωmm²/m unit, which did not match the printed text in the verification step, so it was left out. The T451 page prints 35% IACS and the T6 page prints %39 IACS, which is also not clean.'
  - No flight, spacecraft, satellite or launch-vehicle record for the 2011 grade was found in any source read for this profile.
  - The 2011 T451 yield strength of 140 MPa on the Referans Metal page conflicts with its own ultimate strength of 300 MPa and with the T6 page (290 MPa) and the Weerg sheet (200 MPa, temper not stated). The T451 figure is kept as printed and is not resolved.
  - 'Corrosion ratings conflict: the Referans Metal T451 page prints Corrosion Resistance Low, the T6 page prints Moderate, and Smith Metal and the Applus datasheet say poor or insufficient. No salt-spray, exfoliation or stress-corrosion test for 2011 was found.'
  - Weldability is rated Low on the T451 page, Poor on the T6 page and Extremely poor by Smith Metal. No weld-strength figure was found.
  - 'Electrical conductivity: the T451 page prints 35% IACS and the T6 page prints %39 IACS, with the percent sign before the figure. Neither was entered as a property because the T6 print is not clean.'
  - Smith Metal prints its density as 2.82 Kg/m3, which is a unit error, so that value was left out in favour of the Referans Metal figure. Its thermal expansion is printed as 23 x 10-6 with no temperature unit, so it was left out too.
  - The Total Materia page shows a minimum tensile strength of 275 MPa, proof 125 MPa and elongation 6 % for the Swedish SS 144355 specification at 0 to 30 C, but gives no temper or product form and its composition table shows placeholder values. Not entered.
  - The Applus datasheet's numeric property cells are blurred placeholders, so only its corrosion, weldability, heat treatment and application text was used.
  - The brinell_hardness benchmark name is not in property-canon.yaml. The Brinell values are recorded with that short snake_case name, the same as for profile aluminium-2017. Shear strength was not entered because no canonical shear strength name was found.
  - The Hydro safety data sheet is for the whole wrought 2xxx series, not a 2011 SDS. Its lead entry (below 0.05 %, Carc. 1B H350) does not describe this grade, which contains 0.2 to 0.6 % lead.
  - Bismuth and lead supply (the alloying additions) were not looked up. The USGS aluminum summary does not give a critical-minerals list, so no critical-list entry is recorded.
  - Wikipedia has no readable 2011 aluminium alloy article here (HTTP 404), so no Wikipedia history or composition was used. MakeItFrom returned HTTP 403, the Wieland 2011 datasheet returned HTTP 404, and the Materials Plus database was offline or blocked.
  - The ASM Alloy Digest entry for 2011 is paywalled and was not read. The Aalco 2011 T3 datasheet could not be downloaded.
  - Radiation effects, atomic oxygen erosion, outgassing and cryogenic properties were not looked up for this grade.
sources:
  referansmetal-2011-t451:
    title: Referans Metal, ASTM B221 AlCu6BiPb 2011 T451 product page
    url: https://www.referansmetal.com/alasimli-aluminyum/product/178/cubuk-lama/astm-b221-alcu6bipb-2011-t451?lang=en
    year: 2026
    kind: datasheet
    license: Supplier web page (cited, not reproduced)
  referansmetal-2011-t6:
    title: Referans Metal, ASTM B211 AlCu6BiPb 2011 T6 product page
    url: https://www.referansmetal.com/alasimli-aluminyum/product/367/uzay-havacilik-savunma/cubuk-lama/astm-b211-alcu6bipb-2011-t6?lang=en
    year: 2026
    kind: datasheet
    license: Supplier web page (cited, not reproduced)
  weerg-2011:
    title: Weerg, Technical datasheet v2.1, Aluminium 2011 (CNC machining)
    url: https://weerg.com/hubfs/Datasheets/Datasheets%202024/ENG/EN_Alluminio2011.pdf
    year: 2024
    kind: datasheet
    license: Supplier datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
  smith-2011:
    title: Smith Metal Centres, 2011 Aluminium Technical Datasheet (free machining aluminium alloy)
    url: https://www.smithmetal.com/pdf/aluminium/2xxx/2011.pdf
    year: 2023
    kind: datasheet
    license: Supplier datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
  totalmateria-2011:
    title: 'Total Materia: SS-Al Cu6BiPb (AA2011) aluminium alloy, designations and equivalents'
    url: https://www.totalmateria.com/en-us/material/3013214
    year: 2026
    kind: database
    license: Paywalled database (cited, not reproduced)
  applus-2011:
    title: 'Applus Laboratories materials portal: AlCuBiPb 3.1655 material datasheet'
    url: https://www.appluslaboratories.com/materials-portal/datasheet/alcubipb-3-1655/-963578083
    year: 2026
    kind: datasheet
    license: Supplier web page (cited, not reproduced)
  usgs-mcs2026-aluminum:
    title: 'Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Aluminum'
    id: USGS MCS 2026
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-aluminum.pdf
    year: 2026
    kind: report
    license: public domain (USGS)
  hydro-2xxx-sds:
    title: 'Hydro Extrusion USA: Safety Data Sheet, Wrought Aluminum Products, 2xxx Series Alloys (revision 08/14/2018)'
    url: https://www.hydro.com/globalassets/01-products--services/extruded-profiles/americas/ena-resources/safety-data-sheets/4-664-2xxx-series.pdf
    year: 2018
    kind: datasheet
    license: Manufacturer safety data sheet (cited, not reproduced)
corrosion:
  - environment: General service (supplier selection factor, no test conditions) for 2011 T451
    headline: The Referans Metal T451 page rates corrosion resistance as Low.
    effect: The key characteristics list for 2011 T451 prints Corrosion Resistance Low, alongside Machinability Very Good, Weldability Low, Formability Moderate and Strength Good. No test environment, exposure time or rate is given.
    rating: low
    conditions:
      basis: qualitative selection factor only
      test: none stated
      temper: T451
    source: referansmetal-2011-t451
    where: Key characteristics list, row Corrosion Resistance
  - environment: General service (supplier selection factor, no test conditions) for 2011 T6
    headline: The Referans Metal T6 page rates corrosion resistance as Moderate.
    effect: The characteristic properties list for 2011 T6 prints Corrosion Resistance Moderate, Weldability Poor and Machinability Very Good. The T451 page prints Low for the same alloy, so the two temper pages disagree.
    rating: moderate
    conditions:
      basis: qualitative selection factor only
      test: none stated
      temper: T6
    source: referansmetal-2011-t6
    where: Characteristic Properties list, row Corrosion Resistance
  - environment: General service, bare or unanodised surface
    headline: Smith Metal rates the corrosion resistance of 2011 as poor and says anodising is needed for surface protection.
    effect: The Smith Metal datasheet lists Poor corrosion resistance and states that the alloy displays poor corrosion resistance, so anodising will be required for additional surface protection. No test environment or exposure time is given.
    rating: low
    conditions:
      basis: qualitative supplier statement
      test: none stated
    source: smith-2011
    where: Product Description and Corrosion Resistance box
  - environment: Surface finishing and exposure where corrosive attack can be expected
    headline: The Applus datasheet says a surface treatment is always recommended, and that anodising for decorative purposes is not possible.
    effect: The datasheet says a surface treatment is always recommended where corrosive attack can be expected, that corrosion resistance under certain conditions is insufficient, and that anodising for decorative purposes is not possible. No test data are given.
    rating: low
    conditions:
      basis: qualitative datasheet statement
      test: none stated
    source: applus-2011
    where: Corrosion and Surface finishing text
risks:
  hazards:
    - text: The Hydro safety data sheet for wrought 2xxx series alloys (revision 08/14/2018) lists aluminum (CAS 7429-90-5, 85 to 97 %) with the GHS classes Flam. Sol. 1 H228, Water-react. 2 H261 and a combustible dust hazard, and states that metallic dusts may ignite or explode. It covers the whole 2xxx family, so these classes are a family-level reading and not a 2011 SDS.
      ghs:
        - H228
        - H261
      source: hydro-2xxx-sds
      where: Section 2 and Section 3 composition table, row Aluminum; Section 2 text on metallic dust
    - text: The same Hydro sheet lists copper below 6.9 % with Aquatic Acute 1 H400 and Aquatic Chronic 3 H412, and lead below 0.05 % with Carc. 1B H350. The 2011 grade contains 0.2 to 0.6 % lead, so the lead class does not describe this grade.
      ghs:
        - H350
        - H400
        - H412
      source: hydro-2xxx-sds
      where: Section 3 composition table, rows Copper and Lead
    - text: The same Hydro sheet says that inhaling dusts and fumes can cause metal fume fever, and that small chips, fine turnings and dust from processing may be toxic to aquatic life.
      ghs: []
      source: hydro-2xxx-sds
      where: Section 2 text on inhalation and environmental hazards
  failure_risks:
    - mode: Poor weld joints
      trigger: Fusion welding of 2011 parts
      consequence: The sources rate weldability Low (T451 page), Poor (T6 page) and Extremely poor (Smith Metal), and Smith Metal says welding is seldom necessary because the alloy is used mainly as machined parts. No weld-strength figure was found.
      severity: moderate
      source: smith-2011
      where: Weldability box; Referans Metal characteristic lists for T451 and T6
    - mode: Surface corrosion of unprotected parts
      trigger: Long exposure in service environments without anodising or another coating
      consequence: The sources rate corrosion resistance low to moderate and say a surface treatment is needed. No rate, pit depth or test result for this alloy was found, so the risk is qualitative only.
      severity: moderate
      source: smith-2011
      where: Corrosion Resistance box; Applus datasheet corrosion text
  side_effects: []
  handling:
    - text: Keep machining dust, chips and fines under control. The Hydro sheet says that metallic dusts may ignite or explode, that product dust is combustible, and that chips and turnings may be toxic to aquatic life.
      source: hydro-2xxx-sds
      where: Section 2 text on metallic dust; Section 7 text on combustible dust
    - text: Specify the temper and product form before comparing values. The Referans Metal pages print a yield strength of 140 MPa for T451 and 290 MPa for T6, and the Smith Metal table gives proof stress of 270 to 315 MPa across T3 to T8.
      source: referansmetal-2011-t451
      where: Mechanical Properties section of the T451 page, compared with the T6 page and the Smith Metal Mechanical Properties table
  mitigations:
    - text: Anodise or otherwise coat parts for surface protection. Smith Metal says anodising will be required, while Applus says decorative anodising is not possible for this alloy.
      source: smith-2011
      where: Product Description; Applus datasheet surface finishing text
uses:
  - application: mechanisms
    device: Brake pistons and clutch parts in brake systems
    example: The Applus datasheet names the automobile engineering uses for brake pistons and clutch parts in brake systems, and parts for pneumatic suspensions.
    source: applus-2011
    where: Application text
  - application: mechanisms
    device: Pneumatic suspension parts
    example: The same datasheet lists parts for pneumatic suspensions among its applications.
    source: applus-2011
    where: Application text
  - application: structures
    device: Fasteners and fittings, machined screws and bolts
    example: The Smith Metal datasheet lists fasteners and fittings among its applications, and Weerg suggests the alloy for precision parts requiring complex machining, such as gears, screws and bolts.
    source: smith-2011
    where: Applications list; Weerg datasheet Applications text
  - application: mechanisms
    device: Precision parts made on automatic lathes
    example: Smith Metal says the alloy is suitable for use on automatic lathes and can be used for highly complex, detailed parts. Weerg lists aerospace and automotive among the industries that use such components.
    source: smith-2011
    where: Key features box; Weerg datasheet Applications text
supply:
  - subject: Primary aluminium smelter production, 2025 estimate (world)
    producers:
      - country: China
        share_percent: 60.8
        year: 2025
      - country: India
        share_percent: 5.7
        year: 2025
      - country: Russia
        share_percent: 5.3
        year: 2025
      - country: Canada
        share_percent: 4.5
        year: 2025
      - country: United Arab Emirates
        share_percent: 3.6
        year: 2025
    critical_lists: []
    recycling: 'USGS: in 2025 about 3.6 million tons of aluminum were recovered from purchased scrap in the United States, about 56 % from new scrap and 44 % from old scrap. Old-scrap recovery was equivalent to about 28 % of apparent consumption.'
    substitutes:
      - 'USGS: composites can substitute for aluminum in aircraft fuselages and wings. Copper can replace aluminum in electrical and heat-exchange applications.'
    source: usgs-mcs2026-aluminum
    where: 'World Smelter Production and Capacity table, column 2025e: China 45,000, India 4,200, Russia 3,900, Canada 3,300, United Arab Emirates 2,700, world total (rounded) 74,000 thousand t. Shares are calculated by Space Mushroom from those printed values (for example 45,000 / 74,000 = 60.8 %). Recycling and Substitutes sections. These are primary aluminium figures for the metal, not for this alloy.'
documents:
  - title: 'Referans Metal: ASTM B221 AlCu6BiPb 2011 T451 product page (physical, mechanical and composition tables)'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.referansmetal.com/alasimli-aluminyum/product/178/cubuk-lama/astm-b221-alcu6bipb-2011-t451?lang=en
    year: 2026
  - title: 'Referans Metal: ASTM B211 AlCu6BiPb 2011 T6 product page (physical, mechanical, delivery and composition tables)'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.referansmetal.com/alasimli-aluminyum/product/367/uzay-havacilik-savunma/cubuk-lama/astm-b211-alcu6bipb-2011-t6?lang=en
    year: 2026
  - title: 'Weerg: Technical datasheet v2.1, Aluminium 2011 (CNC machining)'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://weerg.com/hubfs/Datasheets/Datasheets%202024/ENG/EN_Alluminio2011.pdf
    year: 2024
  - title: 'Smith Metal Centres: 2011 Aluminium Technical Datasheet'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.smithmetal.com/pdf/aluminium/2xxx/2011.pdf
    year: 2023
  - title: 'Total Materia: SS-Al Cu6BiPb (AA2011) designations and equivalents'
    type: database
    url: https://www.totalmateria.com/en-us/material/3013214
    year: 2026
  - title: 'Applus Laboratories: AlCuBiPb 3.1655 material datasheet'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.appluslaboratories.com/materials-portal/datasheet/alcubipb-3-1655/-963578083
    year: 2026
  - title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Aluminum'
    type: report
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-aluminum.pdf
    year: 2026
  - title: 'Hydro Extrusion USA: Safety Data Sheet, Wrought Aluminum Products, 2xxx Series Alloys (revised 08/14/2018)'
    type: sds
    url: https://www.hydro.com/globalassets/01-products--services/extruded-profiles/americas/ena-resources/safety-data-sheets/4-664-2xxx-series.pdf
    year: 2018
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-10-26'
review:
  status: draft
  method: assistant
  checked_values: 28
  unreachable: 4
  caveats: 5
  note: 'Values were read by an AI assistant on 2026-10-26 from the pages named in each entry. Unreachable or blocked: Wikipedia 2011 aluminium alloy (404), MakeItFrom (403), Wieland 2011 datasheet (404), Materials Plus (403 and offline). Caveats: the T451 and T6 yield strengths disagree; corrosion and weldability ratings disagree between sources; the Smith Metal density and expansion units are misprinted and were not used; the Hydro SDS is a family-level sheet; the Weerg sheet states no temper.'
story:
  recipe:
    line: 2011 is a free-machining Al-Cu-Bi-Pb alloy. Copper gives strength, and lead and bismuth are added to make the chips break short for automatic lathes (Smith Metal and Referans Metal). The Applus datasheet also describes a solution anneal, water quench and hot ageing sequence, with temperatures printed in its heat treatment remark (not entered as properties). The composition below is the standard range, not a measured value.
    parts:
      - name: Aluminium
        symbol: Al
        share: balance
        role: The matrix of the alloy. Balance of the composition.
      - name: Copper
        symbol: Cu
        share: 5.0 to 6.0 wt%
        role: The main strengthening element, named first in the Referans Metal composition table and given the same range in the Smith Metal datasheet.
      - name: Lead
        symbol: Pb
        share: 0.2 to 0.6 wt%
        role: Free-machining additive. It makes the chips break short, which is why the alloy machines so easily. The Hydro SDS lists lead as a carcinogen class for its family, but that entry describes a lower lead content.
      - name: Bismuth
        symbol: Bi
        share: 0.2 to 0.6 wt%
        role: Free-machining additive that works with lead to improve chip breaking. Smith Metal and Total Materia both print the 0.2 to 0.6 % range.
      - name: Iron
        symbol: Fe
        share: 0.7 wt% max
        role: Impurity limit printed in the Referans Metal and Smith Metal composition tables.
      - name: Silicon
        symbol: Si
        share: 0.4 wt% max
        role: Impurity limit printed in the Referans Metal and Smith Metal composition tables.
  risk_groups:
    - title: For people
      level: 1
      verdict: Dust and fume warnings
      lead: The Hydro safety data sheet for the 2xxx series gives dust, fume and environmental warnings for processing. No health data for the 2011 grade itself were found.
      points:
        - label: Machining dust
          line: Metallic dust can ignite or explode, and dusts and fumes from machining or welding can cause metal fume fever (Hydro SDS, 2xxx series).
        - label: Lead content
          line: The family sheet lists lead as Carc. 1B (H350) at below 0.05 %, but this grade contains 0.2 to 0.6 % lead, so that sheet does not describe it. Treat chips and dust as lead-bearing.
        - label: Environment
          line: Small chips, fine turnings and processing dust may be toxic to aquatic life, according to the same sheet.
    - title: If it fails
      lead: The failure routes found in the sources are weld joints and surface corrosion.
      points:
        - label: Welds
          line: Smith Metal rates weldability extremely poor, and the Referans Metal pages rate it Low and Poor. Welding is seldom needed because the alloy is used as machined parts.
        - label: Corrosion
          line: The sources rate corrosion resistance low to moderate and advise a surface treatment. No salt-spray or exposure test for this alloy was found.
    - title: Handling and storage
      points:
        - label: Specify temper and form
          line: The yield and tensile values depend on the temper and product form, so state T451, T6, T3, T8, bar or tube when comparing figures.
        - label: Dust control
          line: Keep machining dust and fines under control, and do not breathe dust or fume, following the Hydro SDS.
  why: 2011 is an old free-machining aluminium alloy. It is chosen for small, complex parts made on automatic lathes, where the free-machining additives give fast, clean cutting. Its copper content gives moderate strength, with a yield strength of 290 MPa and a tensile strength of 395 MPa in the T6 temper on one supplier page. The trade-off is weldability and corrosion resistance, which the sources rate low to poor, so the alloy is usually machined and then anodised or coated.
  uses:
    - where: Automotive brake and suspension parts
      line: The Applus datasheet names brake pistons, clutch parts in brake systems and parts for pneumatic suspensions among the applications of 2011.
    - where: Fasteners, fittings and precision machined parts
      line: The Smith Metal datasheet lists fasteners and fittings, machine parts, automotive components and weaponry. Weerg suggests the alloy for gears, screws and bolts in automotive, aerospace and electronics work.
  can_do:
    - label: Machine it
      value: Very good to excellent machinability
      line: Referans Metal rates machinability Very Good for T451 and T6, and Smith Metal calls it excellent and suitable for automatic lathes.
    - label: Carry load in the T6 temper
      value: 290 MPa yield
      benchmark: yield_strength
      line: The T6 page gives a yield strength of 290 MPa and a tensile strength of 395 MPa, with 17 % elongation over A50 mm.
    - label: Weight
      value: 2.83 g/cm3
      benchmark: density
      line: The T6 page and the Weerg datasheet both give a density of 2.83 g/cm3.
    - label: Heat
      value: 138 to 150 W/m.K
      benchmark: thermal_conductivity
      line: Three sources give 138, 140 and 150 W/m.K (Smith Metal, Referans Metal T451 and T6), so the value depends on the source and temper.
    - label: Soft form
      value: 350 MPa tensile in T4
      benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
      line: Smith Metal gives a tensile strength of 350 MPa and a proof stress of 270 MPa for T4, with 18 % elongation at A5.
  compare: 2011 is the free-machining alloy in this collection. It gives up weldability and corrosion resistance for machinability, and suppliers rate it that way. Its sources do not compare it numerically with other grades.
  compare_rows:
    - label: Density
      benchmark: density
    - label: Thermal conductivity
      benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    - label: Modulus of elasticity
      benchmark: elastic_modulus
  handling:
    - Specify the temper and the product form, because the T451 and T6 pages print very different yield strengths.
    - Keep machining dust and fines under control. Metallic dust can ignite or explode.
    - Do not rely on fusion welding. Weldability is rated low to extremely poor.
    - Anodise or coat the part for corrosion protection, and check that the chosen finish suits the alloy.
  good_for:
    - 'Small machined parts on automatic lathes: suppliers rate machinability very good to excellent.'
    - Brake and suspension parts, as named in the Applus datasheet.
    - Fasteners, fittings, screws and bolts, as named in the Smith Metal and Weerg datasheets.
  watch_out:
    - 'Weldability: rated low to extremely poor, and welding is seldom suitable.'
    - 'Corrosion: rated low to moderate, and the sources advise anodising or another surface treatment.'
    - 'Temper dependence: the T451 page prints 140 MPa yield against 290 MPa for T6, so check the temper before comparing.'
    - Spacecraft or launcher use of the 2011 grade is not confirmed by any source read here.
  verdict: 2011 is a free-machining copper alloy for small precision parts made on automatic lathes. It is poor to weld and only low to moderate in corrosion resistance, so it is machined and then protected, and the sources here do not confirm a flight record.